I may lose Shari soon........

Tina - This is never an easy decisions and I know that we all say that "we'll know when it's time" but I just want to say humbly, that maybe I won't and I worry just like you do.  I also think what we see is influenced by our relationship with the dog and our own internal "stuff".  When our lab was dying of nasal cancer, I saw that look much sooner than my husband.  I could see Jake look at me when he had these bloody sneezing episodes and knew this wasn't how he wanted to live.  When I mentioned it to my husband (who'd had him since he was a baby), he said "no, look, he still wags his tail when I talk to him".  I tried to gently explain about dogs and pain, but knew in my heart that he'd have to be okay with the decision too.  After a short time, Jake exhibited clear signs that he was in discomfort and my husband realized it was truly time. 

My point is, we each have to live with our decision, but I know you, like the rest of us will do what's right, when it's right, for Shari and she'll know it is the most loving thing you've ever done for her.  My thoughts are with you.

I'm really sorry to hear about your girl. [] It's never easy to have to say goodbye. You'll both be in my thoughts.

I am so very sorry about Shari. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Think of the joy that she has brought you over the last 15 years, and you will be able to find the strenght to make to right decision at exactly the right time.

Sorry to hear that Shari's time is slowly coming to a end. It is never easy to say good-bye to the ones we love and harder when it comes to you to make a decision. Keep all the good times with you always. You will be in my thoughts. I'm glad you have done the talk with her letting her know things will be fine without her. 
I send you hugs and give Shari kisses from me.

I'm so sorry that Shari is not doing well.  I know how hard it is to face losing your heart dog.   My thoughts are with you both during this difficult time.

Tina, my heart is breaking for you.  I completely understand the emotional rollercoaster and inner conflict you're experiencing.  When Tonka began to fail so rapidly, we faced the same indecision for weeks.  So often you hear people say, "You'll know when it's time," but even when we were in the vet's office on that horrible night, I still wasn't sure.  On really bad days, I still feel a deep ache in my chest when I wonder if we rushed too soon that night.  Even waiting until morning when our own vet's office was open would've been better, but for a very scary 30 minute period, we thought he'd choke before our eyes, and off to the emergency vet we went.  When I think how we were in an unfamiliar place with a strange doctor and without the nurturing environment I wanted for Tonka's final moments, I begin to cry.  But, I try to tell myself we did what we thought was best, as you will for Shari.
 
Know matter how much preparation time you have, there will always be something that makes you doubt your decision.  I can't tell you how many times I asked Tonka to give us some kind of sign - to refuse food or to ignore our presence, but he didn't.  I would've paid a million dollars for the magical power for him to speak, even if just to utter one sentence:  "I'm ready to go and I want you to help me."
 
I don't have any words of advice.  But I can offer you my thoughts and prayers and lots of empathy.  Hold Shari close and gather all the strength you can from all of us who understand this very sad time.  Take care.

"There's no time for us.
It's all been decided for us.
There's only one sweet
Moment, set aside for us.
 
Who wants to live forever?"
 
Queen, from the soundtrack of "The Highlander."
 
I completely understand your pain. I got my cat as a stray, literally from the streets, when she was about 5 months and had her until almost 17.  And I've buried a lot of friends and family. And each one hurts like the dickens in its own unique way. So, I'll tell you what the vet tech told me in the emergency pet hospital when my 17 year old cat was in drastic kidney failure from a chronic condition. There are no wrong decisions. You have my support in whatever you do. It's never going to be easy but it is inevitable. And you've done everything you should have. Dr. James Fix, the man who started the jogging craze, was the picture of perfect health and nutrition and literally dropped dead of a heart attack while running. When it's our time, it's time. The difference between him and our pets is that we usually have a chance, at times, to ease the suffering of our pets and provide a comforting way out.
 
A big hug and a glance at the Bridge,
Ron, Brenda, Shadow.
 

Such a hard time, Tina. I still cry for the loss of my 17-year-old girl in 2001. We know, we're here. Spend lots of time with that beautiful girl. Hugs.

Ron, Angel, Tracy, Amy, Cathy.....and everyone - thank you so much for your kind words and understanding.
 
After spending another night up with her and the seemingly endless diarrhea, I realized that it is time.  Not because of the clean-up, but because it is obvious something isn't right and I've be putting a bandage over a bigger problem.  As I said in my original post, these episodes have come and gone quite a bit since March.  She hardly eats as it is, I don't want her to waste away and poop herself to death.  Between that and the significant difficulty her arthritis is giving her, I have to admit that her quality of life is about a 1.5 on a scale of 10.  It's not fair to her to let her suffer.
 
As Angel said, I've wished God would just take her so I didn't have to make the decision and live with the guilt of whether or not I did enough before I gave up.
 
So now the only doubt in my mind is just that: am I giving up?  Have I done enough?
 
 

Oh, gosh, I can so relate.  We're going through similar things with Mick because of the DM.  Thankfully, so far, Mick only has solid poop accidents.  Anyway, just wanted you to know how sorry I am that you're going through this, too.  Give Shari a hug from Mick and me.  I'm here if you want to talk. 

Tina, your first thought is right....it's time to let her go with dignity.  The second is human guilt....am I giving up?  NO you are NOT giving up.  You are giving Shari the greatest gift of love by releasing her from THIS world while she still has a bit of dignity.
 
KNOW in your heart that by releasing Shari you are loving her the very best way you know how to love her.  My tears are flowing for you.  You'll be in my thots and prayers.

So now the only doubt in my mind is just that: am I giving up?  Have I done enough?

 
*SIGH* I wish I could answer that for you but I can't.  I think you have but what matters is what YOU think!  All I can do is relate my experience...
 
I tried everything to hold onto my Lani when she had cushings even when I knew it was time.  I had her at the vets to be PTS and let the vet convince me to try something else.  Her last 24 hours were H*LL and soemthing I can never erase from my memories.  Here it is 1 year, 5 months, 4 days and 3-1/2 hours later and I still cry when I recall those last hours.  I made the mistake of leting my head decide and not my heart.. in my heart I knew she was asking me to let her go and I should have listened.
 
Only you and Shari know what to do. Its easy for me to say I think its time but you are the one living with her and know her best.  Talk to her, spend time loving on her and let her tell you what you need to know.  Death is a natural part of life.. its just hard on those of us left behind to continue living.  For Shari it will be a rebirth at the Bridge where she can play and await your arrival when its your time. 
 
May God bless you and bring you peace and comfort. 

Oh Tina, I am so sorry.  I wish I knew what to say, but I have no clue.  My heart is breaking for you.  I don't think you are giving up, you are just moving on to the next part of His plan.  Please do not feel guilty, she needs you now more than ever.

Tina, I echo Glenda's sentiments. In your heart you know it is time to let Sharri go. Just know we are behind you giving you moral support and total understanding taking these steps.
 
Just know we feel your pain and cry with you.
 
Big hugs to you and Sharri. I have asked my Beau to meet her at the Bridge when it is time.

You are not giving up, please try not to feel that way.  The greatest thing you can do for her at this point is let her go.  As hard as that is, you can take comfort that she was able to go without getting to rock bottom first.  She does still have her dignity, yes shes had some problems recently... but it could get worse before you make the decision.  I think you are doing the right thing for her.  Its not too soon, you would know if the time was not right.  You seem to know its time, you're just second guessing because its such a hard thing to do.  But you know Shari better than anyone, so I think you've got everything right.  I know you will decide when is right, and more importantly Shari knows that.  She loves you and knows the love you have for her.  Im so sorry you have to do this. We are here for you to support you, to cry for you and to cry with you.  Give her some kisses for all of us.